Why Prairie First?

We’re pleased to announce that physicians from Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants have been named to the prestigious Best Doctors in America List. Only five percent of doctors in the U.S. earn this peer-reviewed honor, which is based on extensive polling of over 45,000 physicians. Our exceptional honorees include world-class specialists in general cardiology, vascular medicine and electrophysiology—providing the most advanced medical expertise and knowledge to patients with serious conditions. We think it’s just further proof that Prairie Heart will always be the right choice for heart care.

By choosing Prairie Heart first, you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have selected the recognized leader and innovator in heart care. Consider this:

Prairie Heart has been nationally recognized by several organizations that evaluate quality, performance and effectiveness. Some of these organizations are:

US News and World Report

American College of Cardiology

Blue Cross and Blue Shield

American Heart Association

Aetna Insurance

Thompson Reuters

HealthGrades

Prairie Heart Physicians, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners come from all over the world and bring the expertise that allows Prairie Heart to offer the widest range of specialist and sub-specialists in the field of heart and vascular medicine.

The Prairie Education and Research Consortium ensures treatments and devices are available that only exist in the most advanced centers in the country.

And, best of all, Prairie Heart care is available throughout 48 locations in central and southern Illinois where Prairie Heart clinicians travel to see patients in their own community.

Make Prairie Heart your first choice for the best in heart care.

Interactive Heart Guide

Introduction

Heart Attack

Blood Pressure

Waist-to-Hip Ratio

Cholesterol

Healthy Living

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Click on the image to view the American Heart Association's Official 2012 Hands-Only CPR Instructional Video

Locations

Select a Prairie Heart location from the menu below for more information.

Find a Physician

Physician

Mid-Level

Prairie Heart Institute has over 80 physicians and mid-levels to provide the best cardiovascular care for you and your loved ones. Our providers are among the most experienced in the nation, and all of our physicians are Board certified and recognized as leaders in cardiovascular care in the nation.

To read a biography of any of our providers, just click on a name.

Select a location from the menu to see a list of providers at that location.

Click here to see the entire alphabetical list.

Theodore R. Addai, M.D.

Echocardiography & Nuclear Cardiology

Phone: 217-422-6100

"Cardiology is at the heart of medicine. It is a field that is rapidly advancing and constantly finding new ways to help people with heart trouble. My greatest satisfaction as a Cardiologist comes when I see a patient with a heart condition feel better and do well."

Locations

Frank V. Aguirre, M.D.

'Having graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, I consider it a great privilege to return to Springfield to practice medicine. I’m grateful to provide quality and compassionate care to the people of this community.'

Locations

Firas Al Badarin, M.D.

Cardiac Imaging
General and Preventive Cardiology

Phone: 618-529-4455

"As a firm believer that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, I will work with my patients to find ways to prevent heart disease. For those with a heart ailment, I will strive to provide them with state-of-the-art, guidelines-based care, always putting the goal of improving their quality of life and survival at the forefront."

Locations

Ashraf Al-Dadah, M.D.

Interventional Cardiology

Phone: 217-788-0706

"My passion is to educate and empower patients about their health. By assimilating the most advanced cardiovascular research, technology and innovation, I can provide creative and compassionate patient centered care. Together, we will ensure that my patients are living life to its fullest."

Raed Al-Dallow, MD, FACC

"As we strive to bring the latest in quality cardiovascular care to each patient, we must always remain sensitive to their individual needs, and build a very close compassionate relationship with them and their families. Helping my patients lead a productive life again is the most satisfying reward I get from my work."

Manjula V. Burri, M.D.

"Research shows that good doctor-patient communication makes a difference not only in patient satisfaction but also in actual health outcomes! I strongly believe in educating my patients to become my partner in managing their health."

Locations

Luis J. Caceres, M.D.

Cardiac Catheterization, Pacemaker & Echocardiography

Phone: 217-422-6100

"I believe medicine is the art of healing patients by combining advanced medical knowledge and the emphatic skills of listening to, caring for, and comforting patients and their families. My most precious reward as a cardiologist is to bring seriously ill patients back to their normal lives quickly and safely."

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

American College of Cardiology, Fellow
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
American Society of Echocardiography
American College of Physicians
American Medical Association
Illinois State Medical Society

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

Former President, Southern Illinois Medical Association
Fellow, American College of Cardiology
Illinois State Medical Society
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography

Locations

Amir Cheema, M.D.

General Cardiology and Echocardiography

Phone: 217-342-3700

"There have been tremendous advances in the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases in recent years. However, there will never be a substitute for good judgement. My training has equipped me with clinical skills to help patients take control of their cardiac health."

Board Certifications

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

Illinois State Medical Society
American College of Cardiology
American College of Physicians
American Society of Echocardiography
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography
Society of Nuclear Medicine

Locations

Shobashalini Chokkalingam, M.D.

General Cardiology

Phone: 217-422-6100

"I strive to deliver state-of-the-art cardiac care with kindness. Connecting with patients, involving family members and implementing the most up-to-date advances in medicine and technology are all key to the delivery of excellent care. I am passionate about increasing awareness of heart disease, focusing on prevention and helping patients make informed decisions about their heart care. I am fortunate to interact with patients for their care, and feel privileged to deliver care with compassion through my profession."

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Jeffrey P. Christy, M.D.

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Phone: 217-788-0706

"Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn’t exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough. – Sir Henry Royce, co-founder of Rolls Royce"
"This is a motto that I live by, in all
aspects of my life and in the practice
of cardiac surgery."

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Cesar E. Coello, M.D.

Phone: 618-529-4455

"It is very fulfilling to be part of a compassionate team of health care providers, whose skills and diverse backgrounds over an opportunity to provide excellent care to Southern Illinois residents without having to travel far from home."

Medical Education

M.D. – San Marcos University School of Medicine, Lima, Peru
Residency –Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Fellowships

University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

Board Certifications

American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine - Cardiovascular Medicine
American Board of Nuclear Medicine
National Board of Echocardiography

Locations

Daniel D. Correa de Sa, M.D.

Electrophysiology, Heart Rhythm Disorders

Phone: 618-529-4455

"Being trusted by their patients is the greatest honor that a physician can have. Together, we will review available treatment options and we will work hard to restore your quality of life and get your life back in rhythm."

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Amit S. Dande, M.D.

Interventional Cardiology

Phone: 217-238-4960

"I strive to provide comprehensive cardiac and vascular care for my patients. I have accumulated expertise in the newest diagnostic and interventional techniques for management of cardiovascular disease. I also hope to provide education and preventive care to the wider community to reduce the overall burden of cardiovascular disease."

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

American College of Cardiology
Indian Medical Association
American Heart Association
Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
Society of Coronary Angiography and Intervention

Locations

Maria T. Falcone, M.D.

Cardiovascular Disease

Phone: 618-529-4455

"I think it is very important to treat patients like you would treat a member of your own family. Taking the time to explain clearly the disease process and the plan of treatment is always very important to me."

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

American College of Cardiology, Fellow
American College of Physicians
American Heart Association
American Society of Echocardiography
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography
Member, The Heart Rhythm Society
Society of Vascular Ultrasound

John B. Gill, M.D.

"The challenge of cardiology is integrating the patient’s medical history with clinical findings to develop the best treatment plan. The greatest satisfaction comes from delivering this care with honesty and empathy to return a happier, healthier patient to his or her family. The reward is when the patient returns for a visit just to say 'hi'."

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Sachin S. Goel, M.D.

Interventional Cardiology

Phone: 217-788-0706

"My goal is to provide effective, state-of-the-art, high quality care in an empathetic manner. The human dimension of medicine and technical excellence are equally important to me in providing the best patient experience."

Locations

Jeffrey A. Goldstein, M.D.

The best care I can provide for my patients is to combine my knowledge and expertise with state-of-the-art clinical care and cardiovascular procedures, while fully educating them about their disease and their role in its management.

Locations

Raja R. Gopaldas, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery

Phone: 217-788-0706

To touch a human heart, to do something to it and then to watch it magically become better is an immense privilege. But to realize that my patients trust their lives on this privilege is sacred and as such they deserve nothing but the best from me.

Locations

Nilesh J. Goswami, M.D.

"My goal is to provide the most appropriate, effective and latest cardiovascular care. The challenge to maintain this standard involves a close relationship with patients and their families as well as keeping up with the most recent literature and technology."

Medical Education

M.D. – Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois
Residency – Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Locations

Pavan K. Gupta, M.D.

Non-Invasive Cardiology

Phone: 618-233-6044

"My goal is to always help my patients achieve the highest quality of life possible. Whether that occurs through using the latest technology and medications or through education about their disease, that goal is always the center of my efforts."

Medical Education

M.D. – University of Pittsburgh
Residency – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Jack J. Hall, M.D.

Interventional Cardiology

Phone: 217-422-6100

"I take a very personal and compassionate approach in caring for my patients. It takes the combined effort of our dedicated physicians, nurses, assistants, office staff, administrators, and volunteers to make it all work. 'Whatever we accomplish belongs to our entire group, a tribute to our combined effort.' - Walt Disney This is what I believe Prairie is about."

Medical Education

M.D. – Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis, IN
Internal Medicine Residency – Methodist Hospital of Indiana; Indianapolis, IN

Richard M. Holloway, M.D.

"I'm proud to give my patients the highest quality medical care, but I also focus on being compassionate and sensitive to their needs and the needs of their families. My goal is to get patients back home, and get them back to living a productive, rewarding life."

Board Certifications

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

American College of Cardiology, Fellow
American Society of Hypertension
American College of Chest Physicians
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
International Society for Adult Congenital Cardiac Disease
American Heart Association – Clinical Cardiology
American Medical Association
Illinois State Medical Society
Sangamon County Medical Society

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Jeanne Marie Kairouz, M.D., F.A.C.C.

Non-Invasive Cardiology

Phone: 217-422-6100

"We are all human. We all experience joys and sorrows. Our lives are subject to our own stresses, whether it be at work or in the home. As a wife and mother, I understand that a world beyond the office does exist, and that achieving balance in daily life may be a challenge. Each of us has a history beyond the ink on a page, and it is this part of the human condition that makes us unique. What I have found at Prairie Cardiovascular is a dedication to the patient beyond a chart, beyond the illness; there is a commitment to the person."

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Charles W. Karpen, M.D., Ph.D.

Cardiovascular Disease

Phone: 217-788-0706

"My goal is to give patients the best possible care while respecting their dignity and individuality. In the face of modern technology, it's important to remember the adage, 'Do things FOR patients, not TO patients'."

Fellowships

Board Certifications

Academic Appointments

Clinical Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology – Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Key Professional Memberships

American College of Cardiology, Fellow
American College of Physicians
Council for High Blood Pressure Research
Council on Circulation
American Federation for Clinical Research
Southern Society for Clinical Investigation
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Medical Association
Illinois State Medical Society
American Heart Association
Sangamon County Medical Society
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
Southern Medical Society

Locations

Michael P. Kelley, M.D.

Interventional Cardiology

Phone: 217-788-0706

"Excellence in cardiac care depends on a physician’s clinical competency and the ability to communicate treatment options effectively to patients. I strive to deliver the highest level of care, based on the latest scientific developments, and deal with each patient in a very caring and compassionate manner, as I would for my own family.”

Medical Education

M.D. & Residency – University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Locations

Aman Khurana, M.D., R.P.V.I.

Vascular Medicine

Phone: 217-788-0706

"I aspire to provide comprehensive vascular care to my patients. I believe in disease prevention and to achieve that, patient education is paramount. Working together with patients to help them understand and treat the underlying vascular disease is my goal."

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Manohar Kola, M.D.

Cardiac Arrhythmias

Phone: 217-422-6100

"Cardiology is a field surrounded by high technology, but I feel the most important aspect of treatment is truly caring for patients. Touching patients’ lives and communicating with them regarding all aspects of their care…that’s the essence of what I do."

Board Certifications

Academic Appointments

Instructor in Clinical Medicine - Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
Co-Director of Arrhythmia Service and Staff Cardiologist Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri
Instructor in Medicine - Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

Key Professional Memberships

American College of Cardiology
Cardiac Electrophysiology Society
Heart Rhythm Society

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Bernard B. Lim, M.D.. Ph.D.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

Phone: 217-788-0706

"At Prairie Heart, we treat the whole person rather than an isolated disease entity. We recognize the additional time it takes to listen to patients and assess their needs in order to make sure that everything possible is done to provide quality care for our patients. The needs of the patient come first."

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Raja C. Maddipoti, M.D.

Clinical Cardiology, Cardiac Catheterization and Nuclear Cardiology

Phone: 618-529-4455

"One of the essential qualities of a doctor is interest in humanity,
for the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.
In my role as a physician, I have found no truer words than these
to guide me. My many years of training and experience have
prepared me to satisfy the physical need of my patients but
just as importantly they have taught me to meet their
emotional needs as well."

Gabor F. Matos, M.D.

"I take pride in providing,comprehensive care for patients’ cardiac, vascular and vein diseases. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to treat the entire patient as opposed to address isolated diseases of the heart only. Being able to treat the chest pain and heart attacks, blood clots in the lungs and legs, painful varicose veins, blockages in the carotid arteries, legs and kidney arteries allows me to consolidate multiple aspects of cardiovascular care under one comprehensive treatment plan, to provide the best results and reduce the need for multiple visits to differernt specialists."

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Stephen A. Mayer, M.D.

Interventional Cardiology

Phone: 217-788-0706

"I try to evaluate all aspects of a patient’s medical problem, lifestyle and personality to find the most appropriate treatment. I’m very excited by the many advances in cardiology, but I try to remember that the newest treatment isn’t necessarily the best for everyone."

Locations

Brian D. Miller, M.D.

Electrophysiology

Phone: 217-788-0706

"When patients and their families are confronted with heart rhythm disturbances, they have to make important decisions. I try to help patients understand all of their options, so they can make their own 'right choice'."

Locations

Gregory J. Mishkel, M.D.

Interventional Cardiology, Peripheral Vascular Disease

Phone: 217-788-0706

"Each patient’s unique history, anatomy, personality and family are what brings the practice of medicine alive. My goal is to restore a good quality of life as each patient defines it. Consequently, I strongly believe that doctors must be good listeners to hear what each patient needs. When every day is done, I want to be able to say, 'Today I did some good'."

Medical Education

M.D. & Residency – University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Post Graduate Training – McMaster University, University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Canada

Fellowships

Board Certifications

American Board of Internal Medicine – Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine – Cardiovascular Disease
American Board of Internal Medicine – Interventional Cardiology
Royal College of Physicians, Canada – Cardiology
Royal College of Physicians, Canada – Internal Medicine

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

American College of Cardiology, Fellow
Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions
Illinois State Medical Association
Royal College of Physicians of Canada
Ontario Medical Association
Canadian Cardiovascular Society

Locations

Girish Mood, M.D.

Interventional Cardiology

Phone: 618-233-6044

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."
As a cardiovascular specialist, I practice to help you choose a healthy life and intervene with appropriate care and procedure when needed.
"Always laugh when you can, it is cheap medicine."
- Lord Byron

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

American College of Cardiology, Fellow
American College of Physicians
Council on Clinical Cardiology
American College of Chest Physicians
North American Society of Pacing
American Heart Association, Illinois Affiliate
Cardiac Electrophysiology Society
National Hot Rod Association

Locations

James C. Mullin, M.D.

"My goal is to provide 'compassionate care' by involving my patients and their families in all the important aspects of their cardiovascular disease. A motivated and informed patient can often achieve lofty goals."

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Nasar Nallamothu, M.D., F.A.C.C.

Cardiac CT, Cardiac MRI, Nuclear Cardiology and Echocardiography

Phone: 217-788-0706

"The role of a good physician is not only to deliver the highest level of care to ailing patients, but also to actively participate in their health education and disease prevention, thus contributing to the improved health and prosperity of the community."

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

American College of Cardiology, Fellow
American Society of Echocardiography
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography
Society of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Holly A. Novak, M.D.

Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease-Women’s Health

Phone: 217-788-0706

"I am very happy to be a part of Prairie Cardiovascular. After years of being an invasive cardiologist, my interests have matured into the desire to prevent heart disease, and educate patients about what they can do about their own risk of heart disease. I have always had a special interest in women's health, recognizing that frequently there are more questions than answers. My goal is to develop a strong prevention program with a special emphasis on women's cardiovascular health."

Medical Education

M.D. – Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois
Residency – Rockford School of Medicine, Rockford, Illinois
Hospital of St. Raphaels, New Britain, Connecticut

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Kris Patel, M.D.

Cardiovascular Disease

Phone: 217-422-6100

"When it comes to patient care, my mantra is to be the patient’s advocate…to provide effective, personalized care…and when necessary, to use the skills of the extraordinarily talented specialists at Prairie Cardiovascular."

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

American College of Cardiology, Fellow
American College of Physicians
American Medical Association
American Society of Echocardiography
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
Society of Cardiovascular CT
Society of Cardiovascular MR

Locations

Himanshu Pathak, M.D.

Non-Invasive Cardiology

Phone: 217-788-0706

"I believe that each patient represents a story. That story includes their diseases, their new problem, their social situation, and their belief. Only when we understand the complete story do we make consistent diagnoses. I believe in consulting the patient in designing the treatment plans that best fit that patient."

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

American Board of Vascular Medicine, Board Member
Vascular InterVentional Advances, Founding Board Member
American College of Cardiology, Fellow
Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Fellow
American College of Physician
Society of Endovascular Surgery

Locations

John A. Scherschel, M.D.

"The physician should not treat the disease but the patient who is suffering from it."

-Maimonides

Medical Education

MD -- Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis, IN
Residency & Chief Resident in Medicine – Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis, IN

Fellowships

Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship – Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis, IN
Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship – Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis, IN

Mark R. Stampehl, M.D.

"I strive daily to provide the highest quality care and personal attention to each person I am privileged to call my patient. Applying state-of-the-art medicine with compassion and empathy, as I would for my own family, will always be my top priority."

Locations

Craig S. Vinch, M.D.

Non-Interventional, Nuclear

Phone: 618-233-6044

"Healing strives to utilize the science and art of medicine to alleviate illness and suffering in the body, soul, family and personal connections. Through listening, respect and care for the individual human, I strive to promote wellness and mend the effects of illness."

Locations

Robert C. Woodruff III, M.D.

General Cardiology, Echocardiography and Cardiac Catheterization

Phone: 217-788-0706

"I work closely with patients to help them accomplish their life goals, no matter what their particular medical problems are. Helping people through difficult times is the most gratifying aspect of practicing medicine."

Locations

Magdalena Anna Zeglin, M.D.

Interventional Cardiology

Phone: 618-529-4455

"My philosophy of care is to be honest with my patients. In terms of their care, I come from a professional point of view, but always remember and appreciate the emotional and personal aspect of their decision making process. I will be honest with my patients in my assessment, give them the expertise I have, then respect whatever decision they make and proceed accordingly."

Academic Appointments

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Vincent P. Zuck, M.D.

Echocardiography/Heart Catheterization

Phone: 217-788-0706

"Communication with patients and their families is one of the cornerstones of my work. I strongly believe in spending time to help patients understand their medical condition, so they can be comfortable with their care."

Key Professional Memberships

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
American Medical Association
American Society of Echocardiography
American Heart Association Scientific Council Member, Clinical Cardiology-Thrombosis
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
Illinois State Medical Society
Sangamon County Medical Society

Jacquelynn D. Baker, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Phone: 217-788-0706

"I am honored to be a part of Prairie Cardiovascualr Consultants. I will work alongside Dr. Issa to provide quality and compassionate care to all patients. I believe that a patient is a very important member of their medical team, and I will work with every patient to keep them involved. I understand that a person’s overall well-being reaches far beyond their health condition, and I will strive to help each person achieve the best quality of life possible."

Locations

Jennifer K. Black, CNP

Adult and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Phone: 217-788-0706

"I enjoy promoting prevention and assisting clients to achieve their maximal wellness in the setting of cardiovascular disease. I strive to provide quality, personal care in close collaboration with Robert Trask, MD."

Locations

Allison Campos, RN, MSN, ANP-BC

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Phone: 618-529-4455

"Being a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois, I feel privileged to provide care to the members of our community. As a Nurse Practitioner, I am committed to practicing the highest standard of cardiovascular care with respect and compassion. As I work in close collaboration with Dr. Raed Al-Dallow, I believe our patients can achieve improved quality of life in the face of health related obstacles."

Licensure

Key Professional Memberships

American Nurses Association
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Iota Chapter
American Association of Critical Care Nurses
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
American College of Cardiology, Cardiac Care Associate Member

Locations

Nathaniel Clark, PA-C

Phone: 618-529-4455

"It is my desire to assist the Cardiologist in providing the best care possible through compassion, communication, and empowerment. Health care can be an intimidating obstacle to most people. I want to bridge the gap between provider and patient by helping to facilitate understanding."

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Agnes B. Delaney, PA-C

Phone: 618-529-4455

"My goal is to assist the cardiologist in providing cardiac care in the Southern Illinois region. I am committed to the physical and emotional needs of our patients and their families. Our teamwork, compassion, and knowledge provide us the growth required to maintain accessible, high quality care."

Licensure

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Brenda M. Eden, MS, APN, ACNS-BC

Cardiology

Phone: 217-422-6100

"I am honored to be a part of the Prairie Cardiovascular team. My role is to provide the best cardiac care with compassion, beginning with listening to my patients and their families. The patient is the focus, not the heart. Excellent cardiovascular care is the expectation."

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Christina H. Kraus, ANP-BC

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Phone: 618-529-4455

"I am delighted to be in southern Illinois serving the residents of my home community. I strive to treat all patients like members of my own family with careful attention to their individual needs. My vision is that all my patients will achieve the highest level of cardiovascular health and greatest quality of life."

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Gretchen Mahaney, MSN, FNP-BC

Family Nurse Practitioner

Phone: 217-788-0706

"Wellness promotion is important to me. I enjoy being able to explain cardiovascular disease processes for the individual in terms a person can understand. This makes encouragement of healthy lifestyle changes an ongoing process and a shared experience."

Locations

Fidel Mata, PA-C

Phone: 217-422-6100

"Working as a Cardiovascular Physician Assistant, I often care for people who are going through a life-altering event and are very frightened. The most rewarding aspect of my position is putting my patients at ease with a combination of compassion, education, and humor. After all, laughter is the greatest medicine."

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Amanda Phoenix, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Phone: 618-233-6044

"My goal is to assist the cardiologists to provide the best healthcare for our patients through compassion, communication, and patient education. Our teamwork and knowledge will help assist us in providing for both the physical and emotional needs of our patients and their families."

Locations

Donita S. Schrey, APN-BC

Phone: 217-788-0706

"It is important to promote wellness as well as treat illness. I care about all of our patients and am concerned about their well-being… I try to take care of them just as I would want my family to be taken care of."

Medical Education

Certifications

American Nurses Credentialing Center - Acute Care
Nurse Practitioner

Licensure

Licensed by the State of Illinois

Key Professional Memberships

American College of Cardiology, Cardiac Care Associate Member
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Illinois Society of Advanced Practice Nurses
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

Key Professional Memberships

Locations

Susan Stewart, RN, MSN, ANP-BC

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Phone: 618-233-6044

"Poor health is not caused by something you don’t have; it’s caused by disturbing something that you already have. Healthy is not something that you need to get, it’s something you have already if you don’t disturb it."

Locations

Ellen Zindel, NP

Phone: 217-422-6100

"Cardiology is a challenging and ever changing field of medicine. My goal is to provide quality cardiac care striving to treat my patients’ cardiac condition and educate them about their condition. A patient’s ability to understand the disease process, treatment and need for lifestyle changes make them active participants in their health care and can impact whether they have future cardiac events."

Locations

Networks

Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois

What is Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois (PHII)?

Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois (PHII) is a community-based cardiovascular network of hospitals that offers cardiovascular clinics staffed by Prairie Cardiovascular cardiologists. The network hospitals of the Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois (PHII) offer the highest level of cardiovascular care possible in their community. When more specialized care is needed, the Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois cardiologists in Springfield are always ready to deliver that care.

By working together, the community hospital and the Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois (PHII) are able to develop and implement unique clinical programs that benefit the residents and physicians within that community such as the Prairie Stat Heart program that insures residents of smaller communities receive the same rapid, high quality care for the most serious of heart attacks that residents of larger cities have access to.

The Prairie Heart institute of Illinois (PHII) has partnered with these hospitals, because they have made the commitment to work together and do all they can to insure the highest level of cardiovascular care is available in the community. Together, your community hospital and the Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois can make an already good cardiovascular program great.

Chest Pain Network

Our philosophy at Prairie Heart is to deliver as much care as possible locally. If that is not possible, then and only then, will travel be recommended.

In addition to nearly 40 sites around Illinois where Prairie cardiologists see patients in a local hospital setting, there are specialized programs in Springfield, Belleville, Carbondale, Decatur, Effingham and Mattoon.

Being well-connected can save your life.

The region's most comprehensive Chest Pain Network connects area hospitals and local EMS agencies through our exclusive Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois Chest Pain Network system. When the patient arrives in the emergency room, a well-orchestrated series of events and protocols are started for the swift diagnosis and treatment of heart attack patients.

Although chest pain is one of the most common complaints of patients presenting to the emergency department, only 10 to 15 percent of patients with chest pain are having a heart attack. One of the goals of the Chest Pain Network is to significantly reduce the time it takes for a patient experiencing symptoms of a possible heart attack to see a physician. This reduces the time to treatment during the critical early stages when treatments are most effective.

Dial 911, Don’t Drive

This year alone, 1.2 million Americans will suffer a cardiac emergency. Unfortunately, about one third of these patients will die before they reach the hospital* for one critical reason – a delay in receiving crucial medical treatment. In fact, over 70% of heart attack patients drive themselves or have a family member drive them to the hospital.* Thankfully, there is a way to help reduce these devastating statistics.

"It's About Time" is an initiative by The Chest Pain Network of the Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois (PHII) designed to educate the community on the importance of calling 911 for medical help – not driving yourself – when heart-attack warning symptoms occur. When experiencing the signs of a heart attack, every second you save can mean the difference between irreversible heart damage or a treatable condition, and even life or death.

By dialing 911 first, you are guaranteed rapid response, diagnosis, transport and treatment. EMS professionals and other first responders can:

Access your situation immediately

Instantly forward your vitals and EKG information to any hospital within The PHII Chest Pain Network

Administer treatment in the ambulance

Ensure the hospital heart team will be waiting and ready for your arrival

Effectively speed the time from heart attack symptom to treatment

Heart Attack Symptoms

It’s About Time: Recognize the symptoms of a heart attack

Statistics indicate that many people have difficulty identifying the symptoms of a heart attack. Still others ignore these symptoms or are in denial that they are experiencing a heart attack. While heart attack symptoms may not always be sudden and severe, they can quickly increase in intensity within a matter of minutes and become progressively worse.

Typically, a "Hollywood Heart Attack", a rapid and dramatic onset of debilitating pain, is rare. Many heart attacks start slowly and often the person may not be sure of what is happening. Heart attack symptoms come in “all shapes and sizes”, and even a person who has experienced a previous heart attack may have completely different symptoms during a subsequent occurrence.

Recognizing the signs of a heart attack is the critical first step in receiving the timely, life-saving care you need. They include:

Pressure, burning, squeezing in the center of the chest

Discomfort in one or both arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, stomach or back

Shortness of breath

Fatigue

Cold sweat

Nausea or vomiting

Weakness

Light headedness

Chest pain may also be a sign of something less serious than a heart attack, such as a pulled muscle, heartburn, stomach ulcer, panic attack, or pneumonia. However, if one or more of the above symptoms is present, or if you are unsure what is causing your chest pain, don’t drive yourself to the hospital – call 911 for immediate care.

How To Take Action

When you experience one or more heart attack symptoms, take action and dial 911 – never drive yourself – for the fastest and best possible care. Early diagnosis and treatment save lives, and delays in reaching medical assistance can be fatal. Every second counts and prompt treatment helps to preserve more heart muscle, while preventing more extensive and permanent damage.

While many heart attack patients will wait two hours or more to seek treatment after experiencing heart attack symptoms, statistics indicate that calling 911, versus driving yourself, can save up to 40 minutes in treatment time.* This valuable time can mean the difference between permanent heart damage or even death, and a treatable heart condition.

The mission of the “It’s About Time” initiative is to encourage a rapid response of calling 911 when you, a friend, a family member, or anyone around you is experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack. Remember, calling for help first ensures the fastest possible assistance and allows EMS personnel to quickly forward critical EKG data to a participating hospital, which triggers the activation of emergency catheterization teams, advance preparation for the incoming patient, and rapid intervention upon arrival. Remember, seconds save lives when chest pain occurs.

PHII Chest Pain Network

The Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois (PHII) Chest Pain Network is a group of community hospitals that represents the region's most comprehensive and coordinated approach to diagnosing and treating chest pain in Illinois. In addition, this network offers cardiovascular programs staffed by the nationally recognized Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants, the largest group of cardiologists in the tri-state region.

The PHII Chest Pain Network seamlessly connects hospitals and local EMS agencies to ensure that when patients arrive in the emergency room, a well-orchestrated series of events and protocols are initiated for the swift diagnosis and treatment of chest pain. The patients who are treated within this comprehensive network benefit from a standardized approach to diagnosing and treating chest pain and heart attacks by:

Ensuring that chest pain is given priority at community emergency departments by administering an immediate EKG

Appropriate triaging of chest pain patients based on the protocol developed by the Prairie Heart Institute

A comprehensive protocol that ranges from immediate transport and intervention to local observation and discharge

Patient and community education to recognize and react to chest pain as well as health care professionals' education to be aware of the latest diagnostic and treatment options for their patients

The network hospitals of PHII offer the highest level of cardiovascular care possible in their communities. PHI at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield is the hub of the network and is a recognized national heart healthcare leader, bringing the best physicians, protocols, research and outreach together to the markets it serves.

It all adds up to prompt, well-coordinated care that offers heart patients every opportunity for the best possible outcomes.

Rapid Read Network

Same Day Community Hospital Cardiologist Interpretation Service

The Prairie Rapid Read Network is your secure web-based solution for the reliable and rapid interpretation of your cardiac echocardiograms, cardiac nuclear treadmill tests and vascular ultrasound procedures. Each year, over 6,000 tests are sent from 35 locations.

The Prairie Rapid Read Network links directly to your Dicom-compatible echo/nuclear equipment and creates a pathway to directly upload studies to a Prairie Cardiologist immediately after testing. The study can then be interpreted by a Prairie Cardiologist and an interpretation sent to you within 48 hours or less (M-F).

Breaking away from the constraints of closed-end, high cost, local network PACS, Prairie Rapid Read offers a no-cost, secure and flexible system. The Prairie Rapid Read service integrates effortlessly into any existing workflow and optimizes your efficiency.

A Potential Way to Heal a Broken Heart

There is something very unique going on at the Prairie Heart Institute in Springfield, Illinois.

Prairie Heart Institute is participating in an investigational clinical study called ALLSTAR, using donor heart cells that may help patients who have suffered a heart attack regenerate the dead heart muscle that is often the result of such an event. Heart muscle dies even if the patient survives a heart attack. This results in a less efficient heart and reduces blood flow through the body.

The Prairie Heart Institute at St. John's hospital in Springfield, Illinois is one of approximately thirty sites testing the investigational procedure in the ALLSTAR trial sponsored by Capricor, Inc., a Los Angeles biotechnology company. The procedure infuses healthy cardiac cells from a donor heart that are meant to boost the damaged heart's natural ability to repair itself. If it works, functional heart muscle should grow replacing the dead heart muscle thereby potentially improving the strength and efficiency of the beating heart.

The trial has successfully completed Phase I, which mainly evaluated safety. Capricor has received permission to begin Phase II, and ALLSTAR will continue to examine safety along with efficacy in approximately 300 patients who will receive either the investigational procedure or a placebo. More information can be found at clinicaltrials.gov under the identifier NCT01458405.

"The previous study used autologous cells, taken from the treated patient itself. However, using donor cells may be preferable over autologous for practical reasons," said Dr. Frank Aguirre, the cardiologist heading up the clinical study at Prairie Heart Institute. "Donor cells, called allogeneic cells, can be banked in advance and used when needed, said Aguirre, “similar to a blood transfusion. They’re also less expensive because of economies of scale"

"No one knew these existed,” Aguirre said. “Everyone thought the heart was an organ that couldn’t repair itself. But it turns out that may be wrong, and that there are early progenitor types cells in the heart that may be effective."

When injected into hearts, unlike embryonic stem cells which are expected to engraft into the target organ, these progenitor cells are expected to remain transiently in the heart but induce growth of new heart tissue which continues after they are no longer present.

We invite health consumers to participate in the AllStar trial – please click here to see if you qualify.

I am not participating in any other clinical study at this time.

I do not have an ICD or pacemaker.

I have had a heart attack in last year.

I have had a stent implanted in a blood vessel of my heart.

If you believe you may qualify for the ALLSTAR trial, please call 217-492-9105.

The Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois (PHII) is a community-based network of hospitals that offer cardiovascular programs staffed by the nationally recognized Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants, the largest group of cardiologists in the tri-state region. Because of the Prairie Education and Research Consortium (PERC), network hospitals also have access to drugs and treatment not widely available. The network hospitals of PHII offer the highest level of cardiovascular care possible in their communities. When more specialized care is needed, it is available in Springfield, Belleville or Carbondale.

PERC was founded in 1983 to facilitate cardiovascular and vascular clinical research, thereby integrating state of the art medical science and bedside patient care. PERC has been instrumental in fostering collaborative efforts between physicians, medical industry, and the international clinical research community, as all parties work together to study the introduction of new pharmaceuticals, cardiovascular techniques and medical devices. Over the past two decades, the evolution of this important cooperative effort has been reflected in the growth of PERC to its present size.